Are you wondering whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants? Most people can qualify for the procedure as long as they’re in good oral health and have plenty of jawbone density. But what if you’re currently suffering from bruxism? Could frequent grinding and clenching of your teeth prevent you from having implant posts placed? Here’s what you need to know to help you make the best decision for filling in the gaps in your smile.
How Can Bruxism Affect Dental Implants?
When dental implants are surgically placed in your jaw, they will gradually form a bond with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. For osseointegration to take place as intended, your implant posts must remain undisturbed. However, if you’re grinding and clenching your teeth due to bruxism, the posts will be exposed to excessive amounts of pressure; this could inhibit their ability to fuse with the jaw and may even ultimately cause them to fail.
Furthermore, bruxism can end up damaging the dental implants themselves. While implant posts are highly durable due to being made out of titanium, they are not indestructible; frequently being exposed to unnecessary pressure could eventually cause them to break.
So, Will Bruxism Disqualify You From Getting Dental Implants?
Not necessarily! Despite the risks involved, you may still be able to get dental implants even if you currently have bruxism. Your periodontist will thoroughly examine your mouth and consider your situation as a whole before determining whether dental implants are right for you.
How Can You Stop Bruxism From Interfering with Dental Implants?
Of course, if you want to keep the risk of dental implant failure as low as possible, you will need to take appropriate measures to address your bruxism. One step you can take is to ask your regular dentist for a customized nightguard. This oral appliance can act as a barrier between your upper and lower rows of teeth while you sleep, thus significantly reducing the pressure on your implant posts as well as the rest of your smile.
Bruxism can sometimes cause you to grind and clench your teeth while you’re awake. As such, it’s important to be mindful of your jaw at all times. If any grinding or clenching occurs, make a conscious effort to relax your jaw.
It’s worth noting that bruxism is often linked to stress. As such, it may be a good idea to take up an activity that is known to lower stress levels, such as yoga.
In short, having bruxism doesn’t mean that you need to give up on getting dental implants. As long as you take the right steps to manage the problem, you can still ultimately enjoy the benefits of sturdy, long-lasting implant posts!
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman went to the University of Tennessee, where he received his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. He is a highly respected member of the periodontal community and has been named a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. His Worcester practice, Handsman & Haddad Periodontics, offers dental implants for replacing any number of teeth. To schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Handsman, visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
